Matara Activities for Families

Families can fill several easy days in Matara, provided they respect the sea and keep clear of the river. The best outings are short and cheap: a moat and a museum, a very big Buddha, a reef-sheltered beach and a temple on a tiny island. Costs are in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR), and a little cash is needed for tuk-tuks and donations.

Three safety rules first

  1. Keep away from the Nilwala. The river is flat and slow, which looks harmless, but saltwater crocodiles live in it. Fatal attacks on bathers and fishermen have been reported, and floods bring more encounters. Nobody should paddle, wade or play in the river or the estuary.
  2. Respect the monsoon sea. From about May to October the south-west monsoon churns up the water, and red flags go up. Calmer conditions arrive from roughly November to April.
  3. Supervise at Polhena. The lagoon behind the reef is shallow, but currents near the reef have caused trouble and a tourist has been pulled out by police lifeguards. Ask on the day, follow the flags and stay inside the reef. Do not assume a lifeguard is on duty.

Best bets for children

Polhena lagoon. Turtles turn up often, and early morning is the best time to look, although there is never a promise. Show children how to watch from a distance. They should not touch, chase, ride or feed turtles.

The Star Fort. A moat about 6 m wide, a drawbridge restored in 2012 and a six-pointed Dutch fortress from 1763 to 1765 make this the most castle-like stop in town. Inside, the Matara Archaeological Museum is small enough not to tire children. It opens about 09:00 to 17:00 and closes on Poya days and public holidays. A small charge applies, and signs explain what may be photographed. Read more at Wikipedia’s Star Fort entry .

Weherahena Temple. A giant seated Buddha, 88 cubits or about 39 m high, stands 7 km away, around 15 minutes by road. The tunnel under it is around 183 m long and painted with Jataka scenes. Some of the painted panels show the hell realms in graphic detail, so parents of young children may want to look first. Visitors cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes. A small charge or donation is asked, and the Amazing Lanka page has the measurements.

Paravi Duwa. The small island temple off the seafront is reached by a footbridge that was rebuilt after the old one collapsed in 2022. The island is eroding, so keep children away from its edges. It is free and open daily, but check when you arrive.

Planning a family day

Start with the museum in the morning when it is cooler, take lunch in town, then head to Polhena in calm months for a supervised swim. Hot afternoons suit a car ride to Weherahena. Carry water, hats and sun cream, and agree the tuk-tuk fare before getting in. Fuel quotas may affect hired vehicles.

For a driver or a guide, look at GetYourGuide’s Matara family options .

Read more: activities in Matara , day trips from Matara and walking tours in Matara .